Description
Indulgent banana peanut butter oatmeal bars bring comfort and nostalgia to classic dessert lovers. Rich layers of creamy peanut butter and sweet bananas create a wholesome treat perfect for satisfying those afternoon cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 250 g (2 ½ cups) rolled oats
- 120 g (½ cup) creamy peanut butter
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 60 ml (¼ cup) honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 50 g (⅓ cup) dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 30 g (¼ cup) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or almonds)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350F (175C) and creating a non-stick surface with parchment paper in a baking pan.
- Transform ripe bananas into a silky, smooth consistency using a mashing technique that breaks down all fruit fibers.
- Incorporate creamy peanut butter, sweet honey (or maple syrup), and aromatic vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until ingredients form a uniform mixture.
- Gradually introduce rolled oats, leavening agent, and mineral enhancer, stirring carefully to ensure even distribution throughout the base.
- Enhance the mixture’s complexity by gently folding in optional textural elements like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added depth and crunch.
- Carefully transfer the prepared mixture into the lined baking pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that will promote consistent baking.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and allow the bars to transform, baking for 20-25 minutes until the edges develop a golden-brown hue and the center sets completely.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely, which allows the texture to stabilize and makes clean, precise cutting easier.
- Slice into individual portions, creating uniform bars ready for serving and enjoying.
Notes
- Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the same sweet, smooth consistency.
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor profiles while keeping the creamy texture intact.
- Toast oats briefly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste in the bars.
- Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes for a softer, more cake-like texture that’s perfect for those who prefer a less crisp treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg